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Things You Will Need

Spoon

Water

Mild liquid dish soap

For authentic Italian espresso, many Americans turn to their Bialetti Moka Express, a stove-top espresso-maker that uses steam and pressure to create aromatic, richly flavored coffee. In order to keep a Moka Express functioning like new, coffee drinkers must carefully clean and dry it between uses. The pot is made of aluminum, which retains a thin layer of coffee-bean oil from previous brews and adds a complexity to the taste of its espresso. Aluminum pots corrode when they are not properly cared for, so Bialetti Moka Express owners should clean their pots attentively.

Allow your Moka Express to cool after you have poured out your pot of espresso. Disassemble the pot, separating the coffee pot on top, the gasket and filter screen, the filter full of used grounds and the water tank that sits on the stove.

Turn the funnel upside down over a trash can and tap it gently with a spoon to remove the grounds. Tap the base of the funnel rather than the rim, which is delicate.

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Rinse all the pieces with cool water. Use a mild liquid dish soap if you wish, or use water alone. Do not use soap on the coffee pot itself if you want to keep the layer of oil to flavor future brews.

Dry all the pieces gently with a soft cloth. Store the Moka Express in pieces, so no residual water droplets can become trapped inside and corrode the aluminum.

Warning

Never wash your Bialetti Moka Express in a dishwasher. Do not scrub any of the pieces or use harsh detergents. If you choose to leave the layer of oil in the coffee pot and it begins to smell, fill the water tank with water and a small amount of liquid dish soap and boil it as you would to make espresso. When all the water has traveled into the coffee pot, remove it from the stove and rinse it thoroughly.

References

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About the Author

Stephanie Mitchell is a professional writer who has authored websites and articles for real estate agents, self-help coaches and casting directors. Mitchell also regularly edits websites, business correspondence, resumes and full-length manuscripts. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater.